• German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul calls for ending the unanimity principle in the EU, especially in foreign and security policy, due to blockades by individual states.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also advocates for ending unanimity, calling it ‘shackles’.
  • Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán frequently blocked sanctions against Russia and a €90 billion loan to Ukraine.
  • Smaller states like Malta, Greece, and Cyprus oppose the change, fearing they will be bypassed, while France also insists on unanimity.
  • EU enlargement to countries like Ukraine, Albania, and Montenegro would further complicate decision-making, prompting discussion of gradual accession models.

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